At least 250 households have been forced out of five blocks of flats in Canning Town, east London, after structural safety concerns emerged at a development built about nine years ago. Residents must pay upfront for hotel rooms and have been told not to return until further notice.

Prime Property Management, the building manager, previously said structural engineers had identified an “imminent risk to life” linked to a transfer slab beneath the blocks.

Three towers were evacuated without notice at about 03:00 BST on 23 October, following engineers’ inspections and reports. Two more were evacuated on Friday evening, a week later. By Monday, notices warned of a “danger to life” as residents collected suitcases, plants and other belongings.

The development, called Caxton Works or Royal Gateway, comprises Centurion Tower, St Vincent Court, Sovereign Tower, Thanet Tower and Prince Tower. Built by Galliard Homes, the flats are occupied by private tenants and leaseholders.

One father collecting essentials on Monday said the mortgaged flat he shared with his wife and two young children represented his “entire investment”. He said: “I don't have anywhere else to go.”

The disruption extends beyond housing. A Japanese restaurant owner said closure had left him and his staff without work or income, with no indication of when they could return. He said 12 connected businesses had also suffered and feared “total shutdown” if he could not secure an insurance payout.

Golden Sparks nursery, which cared for more than 80 babies and pre-school children, has also closed. A representative of affected families said some had lost both their homes and childcare; others faced hurriedly finding alternatives, potentially taking unpaid leave or meeting unaffordable extra costs.

Galliard Homes said independent structural engineers were urgently investigating the concerns and that it was working with relevant parties to establish the next steps. It acknowledged residents’ distress and said its aim was a safe solution allowing them to return as soon as possible.

Newham Council, which owns the land beneath the towers, has deployed health and safety inspectors and building experts. It said it was helping the most vulnerable residents but had no automatic duty to house everyone displaced.

Housing minister Flo Eshalomi said in the Commons on Monday that officials were supporting the council and engaging with the developer and warranty providers to secure a swift response.

For displaced households, the immediate burden is paying for accommodation while investigations continue. Neither a return date nor a settled solution to the structural concerns has been announced.